Bangladesh and Iraq are keen to achieve trade and investment potentials through deepening bilateral collaboration to bring benefits for both sides.
The interest was expressed when a delegation of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), headed by its President Faruque Hassan, met Khaled Battal Najm Abdullah al-Jughifi, the minister of industry and minerals of Iraq, on Monday.
Other members of the delegation were Mohammed Nasir, former BGMEA vice president (finance); Nazrul Islam, former BGMEA director; Sharmeen Hassan Tithi, director of Giant Group; Mohammed Shohel, managing director of Bangla Poshak Ltd; and Mohd Shawket Hossain, director of Bangla; and Nisher Khan, managing director of Banika Fashion Ltd, said a press release, reports BSS.
The meeting was also attended by Bangladesh Ambassador to Iraq Fazlul Bari and Ahmed Abdul-Jabbar Ali Al-Karim, the undersecretary of the Ministry of Industry and Minerals for Planning Affairs.
They discussed issues of mutual interests including possible areas of cooperation, environment of doing business, trade and investment opportunities between Bangladesh and Iraq.
They stressed on exchanging more visits by trade delegations of both countries to identify potentials of trade and investment sectors. Such business interactions would pave the way for enhancing trade between Bangladesh and Iraq, they opined.
The BGMEA president briefed the Iraqi minister on the investment opportunities being offered by Bangladesh alongside improved infrastructure to support expanding trade and investment.
He invited Iraqi businessmen to visit Bangladesh to get a better understanding of the country, its business environment and export products.
Faruque mentioned the developments of Bangladesh's readymade garment sector with special focus on enhanced capabilities to offer diversified apparel items including high value ones.
Highlighting the prospect of Bangladesh's RMG exports to Iraq, he sought the cooperation of the minister in increasing market share in Iraq.
The BGMEA president called upon the Iraq government through the Minister of Industry and Minerals to make visa and consular services easier and faster for Bangladeshi businessmen to facilitate their travel to Iraq.
Faruque also expressed special thanks to the minister for showing warm hospitality and providing VIP protocol to him along with the delegation.
Minister Khaled Battal assured the BGMEA delegation of the support and cooperation in exploring business opportunities in Iraq.
The BGMEA delegation also met with Engineer Haidar Al-Athari, chairman of the Najaf Chamber of Commerce in Iraq, on Sunday to discuss possible avenues of bilateral trade and investment.
BGMEA President Faruque Hassan presented an overview of the readymade garment industry of Bangladesh, especially its manufacturing capabilities, product offerings, and the features that make global buyers prefer the garments made in Bangladesh.
He also called on the members of the chamber to explore the potential of trade and investment in Bangladesh, especially import of more garments from the country. He invited Iraqi businessmen to visit Bangladesh to explore trade and investment opportunities.
